Skip navigation

Types of contraception

This page gives a summary of some of the advantages and disadvantages of different types of contraception. It is not exhaustive and you should always speak ith your GP when deciding on a type of contraception. More information on contraception can be found here: http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Contraception/Pages/Contraception-hub.aspx

On this page: The coil, Condom, Depo-provera, Diaphragm, Implant Femidom, Natural method, The pill, Emergency contraception (the morning after pill).

The coil

inter-uterine device (or IUD)

What it is

A small plastic and copper device fitted in the womb that stops sperm meeting an egg, and stops an egg from settling in the womb.

Advantages

• does not interfere with sex

• can be left in for at least five years

• works as soon as it is fitted

Disadvantages

• no protection against STIs

• periods may be heavier or longer and more painful

• not suitable for women who have especially heavy periods

Important notes

• usually changed every five years

• women are taught how to check their IUD by feeling the threads, high up in the vagina

• not a first choice contraceptive for young women who have not had children

Condom

johnny • rubber

What it is:

A very thin rubber sheath that is rolled over the erect penis, acting as a physical barrier. A teat at the end traps all the sperm.

Advantages:

• protects from HIV and other STIs

• free from Family Planning Clinics, DHIVERSE and some GPs, and sold widely (including CUSU reception- 12 for £1.60)

• useful where intercourse takes place infrequently or unpredictably

• may help protect against cervical cancer

• either partner can take responsibility for contraception

Disadvantages:

• putting it on can interrupt sex

• could slip off or split if not used properly

• man should withdraw as soon as he has come, and be sure he doesn't spill any semen.

Important Notes:

• only water based lubricants may be used, as oil based lubricants will degrade the condom and cause it to split

• only one condom should ever be worn at a time

• only condoms with the CE logo or 'kite mark' provide real protection

Depo-provera

What it is

An injection that releases the hormone progesterone into the body, stopping ovulation.

Advantages

• does not interfere with sex

• one injection lasts for up to 12 weeks

• may provide protection against cancer of the womb

Disadvantages

• no protection against STIs

• periods often become irregular or stop

• fertility may take a year or more to return after injections stop

Important notes

• the Depo-Provera injection works for 12 weeks – it cannot be removed from the body, so any unwanted effects will continue during this time

• not recommended as a first choice contraception, but may be suitable for those for whom other methods cannot be used, or have proven unsatisfactory.

Diaphragm

cap • dutch cap

What it is

A flexible rubber bowl used with spermicide which is specially fitted to cover the cervix.

The cap works by a) carrying spermicide to the cervix, b) holding sperm in the acidic environment of the vagina, and c) preventing cervical mucus from entering the vagina.

Advantages

• protects against pelvic inflammatory disease

• can be put in before sex, and need only be used when required

• may protect against cancer of the cervix

• a variety of types to choose from

Disadvantages

• minimal protection from STIs

• initial fitting requires doctor or nurse, and a period of training use in conjunction with a second method,

• putting it in could interrupt sex

• extra spermicide needed to have sex again

• cystitis can be a problem for some diaphragm users

• in practise less effective than hormonal contraceptives.

Important notes

• some people can have sensitive reactions to spermicide

• fitting should be checked every 12 months or if you gain/lose more than 3kg

• not to be left in for more than 30 hours

• must be left in for six hours after sex

• extra spermicide must be added if having sex again.

Femidom

What it is

A soft polyurethane sheath that lines the vagina, and the area just outside.

Advantages

• protects from HIV and other STIs

• can be put in before sex

• may help protect against cancer of the cervix

• oil based products are ok to use with femidoms

Disadvantages

• need to ensure the penis enters the femidom, and doesn't slip between the femidom and the vagina/anal passage

• may slip or cause lack of sensitivity

• expensive to buy

Important Notes:

• not yet subject to BSI Kitemark

• femidoms can also be used as protection for anal sex

• 95% effective if used according to instructions, otherwise less effective.

Implant

What it is

A small (40mm), flexible tube containing progesterone inserted under the skin of your upper arm by a trained professional.

Advantages

  • Lasts for up to 3 years.

  • You don't have to remember to take a pill everyday.

  • Suitable for those who cannot take pills with oestrogen in.

Disadvantage

  • For the first few days after the implant is put in you may experience some bruising, tenderness and swelling.

  • The first year after the implant your periods may become irregular, lighter, heavier or longer. This usually settles down after the first year. Your periods may stop all together (this is not harmful).

  • Implant has to be put in and taken out by a trained professional.

Important notes

  • If implanted correctly is more than 99.9% effective

  • Offers no protection against STIs.

  • If side effects do occur can be taken out at anytime.

Natural method

rhythm method

What it is

The fertile and infertile times of the menstrual cycle are identified, showing when you can have sex without getting pregnant.

Advantages

• no hormones are used

• gives women more awareness of their body

• good for religions that prohibit contraceptives

Disadvantages

• no protection against STIs

• need to avoid sex or use another method at fertile times of the month

• even with care is still a very unreliable method

Important notes

• there are several different natural methods in use

• consulting a specially trained teacher or teaching video or using contraceptive kits such as the Persona can make natural methods easier to use, and slightly more reliable.

The pill

What it is

There are two kinds of pill (the combined pill, and the progesterone only pill), but the gist is the same. They are both taken orally at the same time each day. The hormones it contains prevent pregnancy (see below).

Advantages

• does not interfere with sex

• often reduces bleeding, period pain and premenstrual tension,

• may protect against cancer of the ovary and womb, and against some pelvic infections,

• can reduce acne and unwanted hair.

Disadvantages

• no protection against STIs,

• may not suit all women (a full medical history should be taken by doctor),

• possible side effects, which may include: mood swings, dry skin, dry and irritated eyes (horrible if you wear hard contact lenses), swollen or painful breasts, and weight gain. Most of these side effects will only affect certain women on certain pills, so don't panic. It is best to discuss the possible side-effects with a doctor, and if a trial time presents problems, go back to the doctor and try a different one. Most women find a pill they are more than happy with.

Important notes

• not reliable if taken over 12 hours late or after vomiting or severe diarrhoea (see below),

• pill users should try not to smoke.

Emergency contraception

Despite being known as 'the morning after pill', current guidelines from the FPA (Family Planning Association) state that the 'morning after' pill can be taken within 72 hours of intercourse. It is, however, significantly more effective if taken within the first 24 hours. It is therefore important that you act quickly. If you need post-coital contraception, seek help immediately by phoning your GP or the Family Planning Clinic, who will be able to prescribe you with the morning after pill for free. Alternatively, you can buy it over the counter from a licensed pharmacist (such as Boots or Superdrug) for around £25, or it is available out of hours from Addenbrooke's A&E department.

The morning after pill can be pretty hard on your system, and may induce nausea. However, as long as you do not use it regularly the threat to your health is very small.

Remember that emergency contraception offers no protection from Sexually Transmitted Infections, so if you have had unprotected sex you may wish to consider having a sexual health check-up at The Laurels Sexual Health Clinic.